THERE has been no noticeable panic buying despite concerns over supply shortages amid the global energy crisis, say Johor Baru business owners.
Despite an increase in Singaporean customers in the past months, they say the spike is not significant and did not result in major shopping sprees.
Econsave Cash and Carry general manager Mas Imran Adam said there had been a visible increase in cars bearing Singaporean registration plates in the past weeks, possibly because school holidays had begun in the island republic.
“It is common for Singaporeans to do their grocery shopping here as it is much cheaper for them, but so far we have not seen any panic buying or anything close to the shopping sprees seen in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He added that among branches seeing an increase in Singaporean visitors were those located around Johor Baru.
Johor Baru Small Businesses Association chairman Tey Tian Hwang said while there was a slight increase in Singaporean shoppers at the start of the crisis, the number has since dropped.
“When the crisis first started around February and March, there was an increase in Singaporean shoppers, but this was more likely because it happened during Chinese New Year, which is generally a time when many Singaporeans shop here.
“Since then, we have not noticed an increase in sales from Singaporean customers.
“Instead, the crowd has shrunk despite the ongoing Singapore school holidays.”
Tey added that the upcoming Johor state polls would also contribute to a drop in visitors.
“Normally, when there is an election, they avoid coming here.”
Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association (Perusim) secretary Hussien Ibrahim said the association had yet to see Singaporeans coming for major shopping sprees.
“It is common for Singaporeans to shop here and we did see some increase at the start of the (Middle East) crisis.
“However, it was nothing too serious. It was definitely not like during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
